The Philadelphia 76ers will likely have their defensive anchor back to help protect the paint Wednesday.
According to Sixers Wire’s Ky Carlin, two-time All-Star Joel Embiid is expected to be available for the Sixers’ home game against the Miami Heat. Embiid missed the Sixers’ game against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday because of an upper respiratory illness.
The Sixers will need Embiid to compete against Bam Adebayo, an up-and-coming big. Adebayo has shown he can be one of the most versatile big men in the league. A Most Improved Player candidate, Adebayo has averaged career-highs in points (15.2), rebounds (10.7) and assists (4.6) this season. Adebayo also has posted two triple-doubles.
Joel Embiid returned to practice today, they expect him to be available tomorrow against the Heat. He missed Sunday’s loss to the Nets with an illness. #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) December 17, 2019
Embiid is the best player on the Sixers, and the team especially needs him on defense. He has a team-leading defensive rating. Embiid helps the Sixers defend the paint well. During the Sixers’ loss against the Nets, Philly gave up 64 points in the paint. That’s the most they’ve given up all season, per NBA.com.
The Heat excel at moving the ball and making defenses rotate, so the Sixers, one of the best defensive teams in the league, will have a tough task. Miami ranks ninth in assists per game, and they shoot the ball well, ranking third in 3-point percentage.
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